Born into a wealthy aristocratic family, Matthew Aylward met Nurse Trixie Franklin during her time at a private clinic where she cared for his late wife. Bonded by their shared grief, Matthew and Trixie’s friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship, and in the Season 12 finale, the two wed.
Matthew is a trained Barrister and also takes charge of his father’s business estate when he becomes unwell. Matthew has a two-year-old son, Jonathan, who also goes by the name of Jonty. Torn between his privileged upbringing and the poverty he witnesses in Poplar, Matthew wants to help where he can and becomes a major benefactor to Nonnatus House.
Matthew and Trixie get married in the Season 12 Finale. The two settle back in Poplar following their honeymoon, eager to establish their new life together. However, Season 13 sees Matthew hit with financial ruin, a result of his mismanagement of his family company’s business. Ousted from the board, Matthew turns to looking for new job opportunities. The financial worries put a strain on the Alyward’s relationship, and the tension is further exacerbated when Matthew pursues a new property opportunity in New York. Matthew makes the decision for him and Jonty to go to America while Trixie stays in Poplar to carry out her work. However, by the end of the Season 13 finale, Trixie chooses to join her husband and son in New York.